Courtesy Photo Steve and Alison Jakubcin serve chili at last year’s Chili and Chowder Cookoff in Downton Alpena.

ALPENA — The Alpena Downtown Development Authority is seeking competitors for its 8th Annual Chili and Chowder Cookoff from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses are all eligible to compete, and both home cooks and professional chefs are invited to bring their best chili or chowder to the competition. All entries must be prepared in a commercial kitchen and prepared in advance of the event. Registration closes Wednesday, Oct. 4.

Competitors will compete for the following awards and cash prizes: Best in Show ($250) determined by popular vote, and Best Chili ($200), Best Chowder ($200), Most Spirited Team ($100), and Most Unique Recipe ($100) as determined by a panel of judges.

This year, the cookoff is part of the larger Shades of Fall Festival taking place downtown, including the second-annual Scarecrow Competition. From noon to 3 p.m., Thunder Bay Arts will be hosting kids’ activities in Culligan Plaza and in the alleyway between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, including pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, cookie decorating, and wagon rides. The Black Sheep’s Oktoberfest and 13th Anniversary Party will also be taking place at their pub from noon to close with live music, drink specials, and more. Sunrise Suds Tap Takeover will close out the day from 4 to 10 p.m. with Michigan beers and live music on 2nd Avenue, organized by the Fresh Palate.

Tickets for the Chili and Chowder Cookoff are $10 for all tastings. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance starting next week on the DDA website. All proceeds go toward community events and promotional activities in Downtown Alpena. Beverages can be purchased from downtown businesses participating in the Social District.

For a registration packet or more information, visit downtownalpenami.com/shades-of-fall or call the DDA at 989-356-6422.